Billikens' only upperclassman out for season

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Saint Louis junior guard Paul Eckerle will miss the entire season with a knee injury, leaving the team without an upperclassman.

The Billikens have four sophomores, a redshirt freshman and six freshman entering coach Rick Majerus' third season. Eckerle played in 30 games with one start and a 1.6-point average last season. He underwent surgery in August, and Majerus said he won't be able to recover in time.

Saint Louis was 18-14 last season. The Billikens opened with an exhibition against Division II Arkansas-Fort Smith on Friday night. They open the regular season Nov. 14 against Southeast Missouri State.